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Full Idea
I define substance as that which can act.
Gist of Idea
Substance is that which can act
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (Definitiones cogitationesque metaphysicae [1678], A6.4.1398), quoted by Daniel Garber - Leibniz:Body,Substance,Monad 3
Book Ref
Garber,Daniel: 'Leibniz: Body, Substance, Monad' [OUP 2009], p.121
A Reaction
This is in tune with the notion that to exist is to have causal powers. I find the view congenial, and the middle period of Leibniz's thought, before monads became too spiritual, chimes in with my view.
12712 | Substance is that which can act [Leibniz] |
12737 | Nature can be fully explained by final causes alone, or by efficient causes alone [Leibniz] |